Systems and methods of a sample bottle assembly

ABSTRACT

A sample bottle assembly. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are apparatuses including a first drill collar that includes: a first outer surface; a pocket accessible through an aperture in the first outer surface; a bottle assembly disposed within the pocket; a first end-clamp coupled within a first recess disposed at an upper end of the pocket to at least partially retain the bottle assembly in the pocket; and a second end-clamp coupled within a second recess disposed at the lower end of the pocket to at least partially retain the bottle assembly in the pocket. The bottle assembly further includes: a sample bottle having an axial length; and a sleeve comprising a bore, the sample bottle received within the bore, and the sleeve has an axial length substantially the same as the sample bottle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Stage Under 35 U.S.C. §371 ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/024843 filed Feb. 20,2010, entitled “Systems and Methods of A Sample Bottle Assembly”.

BACKGROUND

During drilling and completion of hydrocarbon wells, ancillaryoperations are also performed, such as monitoring the operability ofequipment used during the drilling process or evaluating the productioncapabilities of formations intersected by the wellbore. For example,after a well or well interval has been drilled, zones of interest areoften tested to determine various formation properties such aspermeability, fluid type, fluid quality, fluid density, formationtemperature, formation pressure, bubble point, formation pressuregradient, mobility, filtrate viscosity, spherical mobility, coupledcompressibility porosity, skin damage (which is an indication of how themud filtrate has changed the permeability near the wellbore), andanisotropy (which is the ratio of the vertical and horizontalpermeabilities). These tests are performed in order to determine whethercommercial exploitation of the intersected formations is viable and howto optimize production.

Tools for evaluating formations and fluids in a well bore may take avariety of forms, and the tools may be deployed down hole in a varietyof ways. For example, the evaluation tool may be a formation testerhaving an extendable sampling device, or probe, and pressure sensors, orthe tool may be a fluid identification (ID) tool. The evaluation toolmay also include sensors and assemblies for taking nuclear measurements.The evaluation tool may further include assemblies or devices whichoperate based on hydraulic power. For example, the tool may include anextendable density pad, an extendable coring tool, or an extendablereamer.

Often times an evaluation tool is coupled to a tubular, such as a drillcollar, and connected to a drill string used in drilling the borehole.Thus, evaluation and identification of formations and fluids can beachieved during drilling operations. Such tools are sometimes referredto as measurement while drilling (MWD) or logging while drilling (LWD)tools. As previously suggested, the tool may include any combination ofa formation tester, a fluid ID device, a hydraulically powered device,or any number of other MWD devices. As these tools continue to bedeveloped, the functionality, size and complexity of these toolscontinue to increase. Consequently, multiple tools having differentdevices and functions may be placed in multiple drill collars. Forexample, as many as four or more drill collars extending over 40 feetmay be used. The desire to use multiple tools or systems spread overmultiple tubular sections in a drilling environment while maintainingthe connectability and interchangeability of the tools, as well as themany electrical and fluid connections between the tools, is pushing thelimits of current downhole evaluation and identification tools. Anyadvance which eases the assembly or disassembly of such tools, and/orany advance which makes the tools more resilient and less likely to bedamaged during operations down hole, would provide a competitiveadvantage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of exemplary embodiments, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a drilling system in accordance with at least someembodiments;

FIG. 1B shows a drilling system in accordance with at least someembodiments;

FIG. 1C shows a wired drill collar section in accordance with at leastsome embodiments;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a measuring-while-drilling toolin accordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a probe collar section inaccordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an interconnect assembly inaccordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows a side elevation view of a power drill collar section inaccordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a flush pump assembly inaccordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an electronics module in accordancewith at least some embodiments;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a flow gear or turbine assemblyin accordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a drilling fluid flow borediverter in accordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 10 shows a side elevation, partial exploded, view of a samplebottle collar section in accordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic of a sample collection system in accordancewith at least some embodiments;

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a sample bottle collar sectionproximate to a end-clamp in accordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a sample bottle collar sectionproximate to another end-clap in accordance with at least someembodiments;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a sample bottle collar section, withone intermediate clamp removed, in accordance with at least someembodiments;

FIG. 15 shows perspective view of alternative embodiments ofintermediate clamps;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an intermediate clamp in accordancewith at least some embodiments;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective, partially exploded, view of a sample bottlecollar section in accordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view, taken substantially along lines18-18 of FIG. 17, in accordance with at leas some embodiments;

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a sample bottle collar section inaccordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view, taken substantially along lines20-20 of FIG. 19, in accordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective exploded view, as well as a perspectiveview, of a sample bottle assembly in accordance with at least someembodiments;

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view, taken substantially along lines22-22 of FIG. 21, in accordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of a sample bottle assembly inaccordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 24 shows a method in accordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 25 shows a method in accordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 26 shows a method in accordance with at least some embodiments; and

FIG. 27 shows a method in accordance with at least some embodiments.

NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art willappreciate, oilfield service companies may refer to a component bydifferent names. This document does not intend to distinguish betweencomponents that differ in name but not function.

In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and“comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should beinterpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . . ” Also, theterm “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect ordirect connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device,that connection may be through a direct connection or through anindirect connection via other devices and connections.

Reference to up or down will be made for purposes of description with“up”, “upper”, “upwardly” or “upstream” meaning toward the surface ofthe well and with “down”, “lower”, “downwardly” or “downstream” meaningtoward the terminal end of the well, regardless of the well boreorientation. In addition, in the discussion and claims that follow, itmay be sometimes stated that certain components or elements are in fluidcommunication.

In addition, in the discussion and claims that follow, it may besometimes stated that certain components or elements are in “fluidcommunication” and/or are “fluidly coupled”. By this it is meant thatthe components are constructed and interrelated such that a fluid couldbe communicated between them, as via a passageway, tube, or conduit.

The designation “MWD” or “LWD” are used to mean all generic measurementwhile drilling or logging while drilling apparatus and systems.

“Axial length” shall mean the length of an object measured along a longor longitudinal axis defined by a drill collar to which the objectcouples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of theinvention. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred,the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used,as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. Inaddition, one skilled in the art will understand that the followingdescription has broad application, and the discussion of any embodimentis meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended tointimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, islimited to that embodiment.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a MWD formation evaluation or formationfluid identification tool 10 is shown schematically as a part of bottomhole assembly 6 which includes an MWD sub 13 and a drill bit 7 at thedistal end. The bottom hole assembly 6 is lowered from a drillingplatform 2, such as a ship or other drilling platform, via a drillstring 5. The drill string 5 extends through a riser 3 and a well head4. Drilling equipment is supported within and around derrick 1 androtates the drill string 5 and the drill bit 7, causing the bit 7 toform a borehole 8 through the formation material 9. The volume definedbetween the drill string 5 and the borehole 8 is referred to as theannulus 15. The borehole 8 penetrates subterranean zones or reservoirs,such as reservoir 11, that are believed to contain hydrocarbons in acommercially viable quantity. It is also consistent with the teachingsherein that the MWD tool 10 is employed in other bottom hole assembliesand with other drilling apparatus in land-based drilling with land-basedplatforms, as well as offshore drilling as shown in FIG. 1. In additionto the MWD tool 10, the bottom hole assembly 6 may also contain variousother systems, such as a down hole drill motor, a rotary steerable tool,a mud pulse telemetry system, and other MWD or LWD sensors and systems.

In some embodiments, the tool and bottom hole assembly may be part of atelemetry and/or electromagnetic network 50 with wired pipes, as shownin FIG. 1B. In particular, in the embodiments of FIG. 1B formationtesting or survey equipment 60, just above a drill bit 51, is coupled toa drill string 52 formed by a series of wired drill pipes 54 connectedfor communication across junctions using communication elements asdescribed below. It will be appreciated that drill string 52 can beother forms of conveyance, such as coiled tubing or wired coiled tubing.Other components of the network 50 comprise a Kelly 56, a top-holerepeater unit 58 to interface the network 50 with drilling controloperations and with the rest of the world, a computer 64 in the rigcontrol center to act as a server, and an uplink 66. The testing tool 60with sensors 62 is linked into the network 50 for communication alongconductor pathways and along the wired drill string 52. As shown in FIG.1C, a pipe section 54 of the wired drill string 52 includes conductors70 that traverse the entire length of the pipe section. Communicationelements 72 allow the transfer of power and/or data between the pipesection 54 and other pipe components 74 such as subs, couplers and otherpipes. A data/power signal may be transmitted along the pipe from oneend of the tool through the conductor(s) 70 to the other end across thecommunication elements 72.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the MWD tool 10. A first end ofthe tool 10 includes a probe drill collar section 100. For referencepurposes, the first end of the tool 10 at the probe collar section 100is in some embodiments the lowermost end of the tool, which is closestto the distal end of the bottom hole assembly 6. The probe collarsection 100 comprises a formation tester or formation probe assembly 110having an extendable sample device or extendable probe 120. The tool 10also comprises a power drill collar section 300 coupled to the probecollar section 100 via an interconnect assembly 200. As will bedescribed more thoroughly below, the interconnect assembly 200 comprisesfluid and power/electrical pass-through capabilities such that thevarious connections in the interconnect assembly are able tocommunicate, for example, electrical signals, power, formation fluids,hydraulic fluids and drilling fluids to and from the probe collar 100and the power collar 300.

Power collar 300 comprises certain components such as a flush pumpassembly 310, a flow gear or turbine assembly 320, an electronics module330 and a drilling fluid flow bore diverter 340. Coupled to the powercollar 300 is another drill collar section called the sample bottledrill collar section 400. The sample bottle drill collar 400 may includeone or more sample bottle assemblies 410, 420. Coupled to the samplebottle drill collar 400 is a terminator drill collar section 500. Insome embodiments the coupling between the sample bottle drill collar 400and the terminator drill collar 500 comprises another interconnectassembly—interconnect assembly 600.

FIG. 3 shows, in greater detail, an embodiment of the of the probecollar section 100. A drill collar 102 houses the formation tester orprobe assembly 110. The probe assembly 110 comprises various componentsfor operation of the probe assembly 110 to receive and analyze formationfluids from the earth formation 9 (FIG. 1) and the reservoir 11 (FIG.1). The probe member 120 is disposed in an aperture 122 in the drillcollar 102 and extendable beyond the drill collar 102 outer surface,with FIG. 3 showing the extended orientation. The probe member 120 isalso retractable to a position recessed beneath the drill collar 102outer surface. In some embodiments the probe assembly 110 comprises arecessed outer portion 103 of the drill collar 102 outer surfaceadjacent the probe member 120. The probe assembly 110 comprises a drawdown piston assembly 108, a sensor 106, a valve assembly 112 having aflow line shutoff valve 114 and equalizer valve 116, and a drillingfluid flow bore 104. At one end of the probe collar 100, in someembodiments the lower end when the tool 10 is disposed in the borehole8, is an optional stabilizer 130, and at the other end is an assembly140 that comprises a hydraulic system 142 and a manifold 144.

The draw down piston assembly 108 includes a piston chamber 152containing a draw down piston 154 and a manifold 156 including variousfluid and electrical conduits and control devices. The draw down pistonassembly 108, the probe 120, the sensor 106 (e.g., a pressure gauge) andthe valve assembly 112 communicate with each other and various othercomponents of the probe collar section 100, such as the manifold 144 andhydraulic system 142, and the tool 10 via conduits 124 a, 124 b, 124 cand 124 d.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the conduits 124 a, 124 b, 124 c, 124 dinclude various fluid flow lines and electrical conduits for operationof the probe assembly 110 and probe collar 100. For example, one ofconduits 124 provides a hydraulic fluid to the probe 120 to extend theprobe 120 and engage the formation 9. Another of these conduits 124provides hydraulic fluid to the draw down piston 154, actuating thepiston 154 thus causing reduced pressure to draw fluid into the probe120. Another of the conduits 124 is a formation fluid flow linecommunicating formation fluid to the sensor 106 for measurement, and tothe valve assembly 112 and the manifold 144. The flow line shutoff valve114 controls fluid flow through the flow line, and the equalizer valve116 is actuatable to expose the flow line and probe assembly 110 to afluid pressure in an annulus surrounding the probe collar 100, therebyequalizing the pressure between the annulus and the probe assembly 110.The manifold 144 receives the various conduits 124 a, 124 b, 124 c, 124d, and the hydraulic system 142 directs hydraulic fluid to the variouscomponents of the probe assembly 110 as just described. One or more ofthe conduits 124 carry one or more electrical conductors forcommunicating power from a power source, and also for communicatingcontrol signals from a controller in the tool or from a controller atthe surface of the well.

Drilling fluid flow bore 104 may be offset or deviated from alongitudinal axis of the drill collar 102, as shown in FIG. 3, such thatat least a portion of the flow bore 104 is not central in the particularportion of the drill collar 102 and not parallel to the longitudinalaxis. The deviated portion of the flow bore 104 allows the receivingaperture 122 to be placed in the drill collar 102 such that the probemember 120 can be fully recessed below the drill collar 102 outersurface. As shown in FIG. 3, space for formation testing and othercomponents is limited. Drilling fluid passes through the probe collar100 to reach the drill bit 7 (FIG. 1). The deviated or offset flow bore104 allows an extendable sample device such as probe 120 and other probeembodiments described herein to retract and be protected as needed, andalso to extend and engage the formation for formation testing.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interconnectassembly 200 in greater detail. A drill collar 202 couples to the drillcollar 102 of the probe collar section 100 of FIG. 3. The interconnectassembly 200 further comprises a manifold 206, a manifold extension orconnector 208, a manifold receiving portion or connector 210 and a flowbore housing 212. The flow bore housing 212 is connected to the manifold206, and a flow bore 204 a of the flow bore housing 212 communicateswith a flow bore 204 b in the manifold 206. In one embodiment, the flowbore housing 212 may be disconnected from the manifold 206 at theconnection 214. The flow bore 204 b connects to a flow bore (not shown)adjacent the manifold extension 208 and manifold receiving portion 210.

The manifold 206 further comprises a flow port 216 connected to a flowline 218 in the manifold extension 208. The manifold extension 208comprises a first electrical connector housing 224 having one or moreelectrical connectors. The manifold receiving portion 210, whichreceives and couples to the manifold extension 208, includes a secondelectrical connector housing 222 having one or more electricalconnectors that couple to and communicate with the electrical connectoror connectors of the first electrical connector housing 224. In thisconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 4, the electrical connector housings222, 224 provide an electrical connection 220 wherein one or moreelectrical conduits or lines (not shown) in the receiving portion 210communicate with one or more electrical conduits or lines (not shown) inthe manifold 206. The electrical conduits may carry electrical datasignals or power, for example.

The manifold extension 208 further comprises a first port 234communicating with a first fluid flow line 232 in the receiving portion210, and a second port 238 communicating with a second fluid flow line236 in the receiving portion 210. The manifold extension fluid flow line218 couples to a receiving portion fluid flow line 242 at connection240. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the fluid flow lines andports just described combine to provide a fluid line connection 230. Theports 234, 238 connect to fluid conduits or lines (not shown) in themanifold 206. The fluid flow lines 232, 236, 242 connect to fluidconduits or lines (not shown) in the hydraulic assembly 140 of the drillcollar section 100. In one embodiment, the fluid flow line 232 carrieshydraulic system fluid, the fluid flow line 238 carries a hydraulicreservoir fluid and the fluid flow line 242 (and the fluid line 218)carries a formation fluid drawn through the probe 120 (FIG. 3).

In one embodiment, the electrical connection 220 and the fluid lineconnection 230 extend radially about the manifold extension 208 a full360 degrees. For example, the electrical connector housings 222, 224 areconcentric cylinders such that they extend completely around themanifold extension 208. The ports 234, 238 may extend completely aroundthe manifold extension 208 also. Thus, in any radial position of themanifold extension 208 about a longitudinal axis 244, the electricalconnector housings 222, 224 will be in contact and communicating, andthe ports 234, 238 will be communicating with the fluid flow lines 232,236, respectively. One or both of the manifold extension 208 and thereceiving portion 210 may rotate relative to the other, and theelectrical connection 220 and the fluid line connection 230 will not bedisturbed. The rotatable nature of the connections 220, 230 and therelationship between the manifold extension 208 and the receivingportion 210 provide a rotatable interconnect assembly 200.

In one embodiment, the interconnect assembly is disconnectable. Themanifold 206 and manifold extension 208 are removable from the receivingportion 210. The manifold 206 and manifold extension 208 are axiallydisplaced and the receiving portion 210 releases the manifold extension208. Thus, any drill collar sections or tools coupled above and belowthe interconnect assembly 200 are removable from one another. Theinterconnect assembly 200 of FIG. 4 is merely illustrative, and otherinterconnect assemblies may be equivalently used.

FIG. 5 shows a side elevation view of the power drill collar section 300in greater detail. In particular, the power collar 300 comprises a drillcollar 302, a flush pump assembly 310 having a flush pump 312 andexternal reservoir 314, a flow gear or turbine assembly 320, anelectronics module 330 and a drilling fluid flow bore diverter 340. Atone end of the power collar 300 is a connector 305 for connection tocorresponding components of an interconnect assembly, such asinterconnect assembly 200. For example, the connector 305 may correspondwith the housing 212, manifold 206 and manifold extension 208 of FIG. 4.The connector 305 enables electrical signals, power and fluids to passthrough connections therein to/from a drill collar section or MWD toolbelow. The connector 305 enables the power collar 300 to be removablefrom the probe collar 100, for example, or other MWD tool to which thepower collar 300 may be connected.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section view of the flush pump assembly 310. Inparticular, the piston 350 reciprocates in the cylinder 356 between theends 358, 362. The end 362 includes a hydraulic fluid extension 363inserted into a receptacle 353 in the piston end 354. Hydraulic fluidflows into and out of the piston extension 363 to adjust hydraulic fluidpressure in the receptacle 353. The adjustable hydraulic fluid pressurecauses the piston 350 to reciprocate, in turn causing the piston end 352to reciprocate in a chamber 357 and the piston end 354 to reciprocate ina chamber 359. The dual pistons ends 352, 354 in the dual chambers 357,359 provide a dual action pump 312, wherein multiple fluid flow pathsmay be established in the fluid flow lines 364, 366 and other fluid flowlines shown as part of the fluid manifold and control valve assembly316. Check valves in the assembly 316 control the direction of the fluidflows in the various flow lines. The various embodiments are not limitedto the pump embodiment of FIG. 6, as other pumps and dual action pumpsmay be equivalently used as the flush pump assembly 310.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of electronics module 330 in greaterdetail. In particular, the module 330 includes an outsert 332 mountedthrough an aperture 333 and into a pocket 334 in the drill collar 302.The outsert 332 is removable from the exterior of the drill collar, andthe pocket 334 can easily receive other outserts, making the outsertseasily interchangeable in the event of an electronics failure. Theelectronics in the electronics module 330 control various components andoperations of the tool, receive information from the tool, and operatethe tool.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view the flow gear or turbine assembly320 is shown in greater detail. In particular, the turbine assembly 320comprises flow gear 322 coupled to a hydraulic pump 324. A diversionflow bore 326 communicates fluid to the flow gear 322. The flow gear322, the hydraulic pump 324 and the flow bore 326 may be offset from theprimary flow bore 304, such as in a pocket 328.

FIG. 9 shows the drilling fluid flow bore diverter 340 in greaterdetail. In particular, the diverter 340 includes a valve assembly 342and a flow port 344. When valve assembly 342 is opened, drilling fluidfrom the primary flow bore 304 is diverted through the flow port 344,through the valve assembly 342, and into the diversion flow bore 326.The flow bore 326 fluidly communicates with the flow gear 322 (FIG. 8),thereby providing the diverted drilling fluid to the flow gear 322. Thediverted drilling fluid causes the flow gear 322 to turn, therebyoperating the hydraulic pump 324. The hydraulic pump 324 provideshydraulic power to other portions of the tool (e.g., to extend andretract the probe 120 (FIG. 2)). Thus, selective actuation of the valveassembly 342 selectively provides the drilling fluid that drives thepower generating flow gear 322 and hydraulic pump 324. Further, thevalve assembly 342 may be adjusted to allow varying amounts of drillingfluid flow through the valve assembly 342, thereby providing variablepower generation from the flow gear 322 and the hydraulic pump 324.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to collect a sample of thefluids within a reservoir 11 and bring the sample to the surface foranalysis. The sample bottle drill collar section 400, in combinationwith the other components, provides the functionality for storingformation fluids and bringing the fluids to the surface. FIG. 10 shows aside perspective view of a sample bottle drill collar section 400 inaccordance with at least some embodiments. In particular, the samplebottle drill collar section 400 comprises a drill collar 404 housing atleast one sample bottle assembly 410. In the configuration of FIG. 10,the drill collar 404 houses four sample bottle assemblies 410, butgreater or fewer sample bottle assemblies may be housed as a function ofthe diameter of the drill collar 404. Each sample bottle assembly 410includes a bottle section 412 along with a connector 424 for fluidlycoupling the bottle section 412 to the other down hole devices. Eachsample bottle assembly 410 is inserted into a cavity or pocket 402 inthe drill collar 404, the pocket 402 accessible through an aperture 418in the outer surface 419 of the drill collar 404. Sample bottle assembly410A is shown suspended above its pocket 402A, while sample bottleassembly 410B is shown installed within its pocket 402B, to illustratethat the sample bottle assemblies may be selectively installed andremoved from the sample bottle drill collar section 400. As shown, thedrill collar 404 defines a central axis 403 along the long dimension ofthe collar 404. Likewise, each sample bottle assembly 410 defines acentral axis 413 along the long of the sample bottle assembly. When thesample bottle assembly 410 is coupled within a pocket of the drillcollar 404, the central axis 413 of the sample bottle assembly 410 isparallel to the central axis 403 of the drill collar 404.

FIG. 11 shows, schematically, a sample probe to sample bottle assemblysystem in accordance with at least some embodiments. The variouscomponents illustrated span several drill collar sections (e.g., thesample bottle assemblies on the left of the figure reside within thesample bottle drill collar section 400, while the probe on the rightresides within the probe collar section 110); however, the componentsare shown together as a single integrated system so as not to undulycomplicate the figure. In particular, the system comprises a sampleprobe 120 fluidly coupled to a flow line 160. Flow line 160 couples to atest branch 162 comprising valve 164 and meter 166, and flow line 160also couples to a flow branch 168. Each flow branch will be discussed inturn.

Flow line 162 couples to shut-in valve 164 and meter 166. When shut-invalve 164 is closed, the meter 166 is fluidly isolated from the probe120. However, when shut-in valve 164 is opened, the meter 166 is fluidlycoupled to the probe 120 such that any suitable measurement can be made.For example, in some embodiments the meter 120 is a pressure meter,which thus measures the pressure of the formation fluid to which theprobe 120 is fluidly coupled. Such measurements can be made both whenthe pump 108 (discussed below) is operational, and when pump 108 isfluidly isolated from the probe 120.

Still referring to FIG. 11, flow line 168 couples to a plurality ofcomponents, including equalizing valve 116, flow line shut-off valve114, sensor 106, draw-down pump 108 and flow line 170. When desired toequalize the pressure in the probe 120 to that of the borehole, shut offvalve 114 is closed and equalizing valve 116 is opened, thus equalizingthe pressure to that of annulus 15. Flow line 170 fluidly couples, inturn, to a plurality of bottle valves 172, which bottle valves couple toa respective plurality of sample bottle assemblies 410. Flow line 170also couples to vent valve 174. Vent valve 174 selectively vents flowline 170 to the annulus 15.

During periods of time when a formation draw-down test is beingperformed, equalizing valve 116 is closed, flow line shut off valve 114is opened, pump 108 is operated to draw fluids, and vent valve 174 isopen, thus creating a flow path through the system. Initially in thedraw-down configuration, the various flow lines carry the fluid withinthe bore hole (e.g., drilling fluid), based in part on the fluids withinthe bore hole entering the probe when refracted, and/or drawing portionsof those fluids that have penetrated or invaded the formation 9.Eventually, however, the fluids moving through the various flow lineswill be almost exclusively formation fluids.

Various tests can be performed on the formation and the formation fluidassociated with the draw down. For example, as the fluids flow throughsensor 106, various parameters may be measured. Sensor 106 may be aresistivity sensor, a conductivity sensor, a density sensor, adielectric sensor and/or a torroidal conductivity dielectric sensor.Moreover, during draw-down test valve 164 may be opened, and thepressure within the flow line read by sensor 166. Further still, withsensor 106 fluidly coupled to the probe 120 and fluids flowing, flowline shut off valve 114 may then be closed, and the amount of time theformation takes to return to an original static pressure may bedetermined.

Regardless of the precise number and nature of tests that may beperformed with respect to the formation, in some cases samples of thefluid within the flow lines (and thus samples of the fluid in the borehole and/or formation fluid) may be taken and stored. For example, valve172A may be opened during a draw-down test, and vent valve 174 closed,thus forcing fluid into sample bottle 410A. Thereafter, valve 172A isclosed and vent valve 174 is opened again. At a later time within theparticular draw-down test, or perhaps a different draw-down test at adifferent depth in the bore hole, valve 172B is opened and vent valve174 is closed, thus forcing fluid into sample bottle 410B. The samplebottles may be removed from the sample bottle drill collar section 400at the surface, and the fluids therein analyzed in a laboratory.

The specification now turns to systems and related methods of attachingthe sample bottle assemblies in the sample bottle drill collar section400. Returning again to FIG. 10, in accordance with at least someembodiments each sample bottle assembly 410 is held within a pocket 402,at least in part, by an end-clamp 452 and an end-clamp 454. Samplebottle assembly 410A is shown suspended above its pocket 402A, alongwith its end-clamps 452A and 454A likewise suspended above the pockets,to illustrate how the sample bottle assembly 410A and end-clamps relate.Conversely, sample bottle assembly 410B is shown installed within pocket402B with end-clamps 452B and 454B shown attached to the collar 404.

Each end-clamp is held in place by one or more fasteners. For example,end clamps 454, which couple to the end of the sample bottle assemblythat comprises connector 424, may use two fasteners, as illustrated bythe two apertures 462 in the end-clamp 454B. End-clamps 452, whichcouple to the end sample bottle assembly opposite the connector 424, mayuse three fasteners 460, as illustrated by the three apertures 464 inthe end-clamp 452B. Two fasteners used in each of the end-clamps 454,and three fasteners used in each of the end clamps 452 are merelyillustrative, and one or more fasteners may be equivalently used.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the sample bottle drill collar400 taken along the long axis of the drill collar, and proximate to anend-clamp on a connector 424 end of the sample bottle, in accordancewith at least some embodiments. It is noted that the view of FIG. 12 iswith the connector 424 protruding to the viewer's left, whereas in FIG.10 the connector 424 protrudes to the viewer's right. In particular,illustrative end-clamp 700 couples to the drill collar within a recess703. In one embodiment, an outer surface 704 of the end-clamp 700 issubstantially flush with an outer surface of 706 of the drill collar,but in other embodiments the outer surface 704 may be raised slightly,or recessed slightly. The amount the end-clamp 700 may be raised abovethe outer surface 706 is less than or equal to 0.25 inch in particularembodiments. Likewise, the amount the outer surface 704 may be recessedless than or equal to 0.25 inches in particular embodiments.

The sample bottle assembly 702 as illustrated comprises a bottle portion708 which is coupled to a connector portion 710 (which corresponds tothe connector 424 of FIG. 10). Connector portion 710 seals to theremaining portions of the bottle assembly 702 by way of O-rings 711, andlikewise seals to the remaining portions of the sample bottle drillcollar section by way of O-rings 713. Other systems to seal theconnector assembly may be equivalently used. The connector portion 710may be integral with bottle assembly 702 (i.e., may be removed andinstalled as an integrated component with the bottle assembly 702), orthe connector portion 710 may be separately installed and removed witheach installation and removal of the bottle assembly 702. Formationfluids pumped and/or drawn into the bottle assembly 702 flow within flowbore 712 of the connector portion 710, and then within flow bore 714 toreach the chamber 716 defined by the bottle portion 708. Likewise,drilling fluid pumped from the surface to the bottom hole assembly 6 mayflow through the central bore 717 of the collar section.

Still referring to FIG. 12, in particular embodiments a valve assemblyis disposed in portion 718 of the bottle assembly 702, but the valveassembly is not shown so as not to unduly complicate the figure. Thevalve assembly may be opened and closed by insertion of a tool throughthe aperture 720 through the end-clamp 700. For example, prior toremoval of the bottle assembly 702 from the pocket of the drill collar,the valve assembly may be actuated to seal the contents in the bottleportion 708 such that as the end-clamp 700 is removed and the bottleassembly 702 withdrawn from the pocket, the formation fluids do notescape from the chamber 716

The end-clamp 700 at least partially retains the bottle assembly in thepocket. In the particular embodiment, a portion of the end-clamp 700abuts or overlaps the bottle assembly 702, as shown at portion 722.Although FIG. 12 shows the end-clamp 700 abutting only the largestdiameter portion of the bottle assembly, in other embodiments theend-clamp 700 may be configured to contact or abut other portions of thebottle assembly, such a the neck portion 724, in addition to or in placeof abutting the largest diameter portion. Further still, while FIG. 12shows the end-clamp 700 directly abutting the bottle assembly 702 atportion 722, in other embodiments an elastomeric compound may residebetween the overlapping portion 722 and the bottle assembly 702 toreduce the chances of damage to the exterior surface of the bottleassembly 702 during installation of the bottle assembly 702 in thepocket, during drilling, and/or during removal of the bottle assemblyfrom the pocket.

In some embodiments, the axial length of the bottle assembly isapproximately four feet in length, and the end-clamp 700 abuts a smallportion of the overall axial length of the bottle assembly 702. In oneembodiment, the end-clamp 700 abuts the bottle assembly 702 for fourinches or less, but other lengths of the abutting portions may beequivalently used. With respect to the axial length of the end-clamp 700(the length shown as “L” in FIG. 12), in some embodiments the end-clamphas an axial length that is less than one-quarter the length of thebottle assembly 702 (the entire length of the bottle assembly notshown). In particular embodiments, the axial length of the end-clamp 700may be between and including six inches and twelve inches. Likewise, theillustrative end-clamp 700 has a thickness (the thickness shown as “T”in FIG. 12). In some embodiments the thickness of the end-clamp 700 isbetween and including 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch, but other thicknesses maybe equivalently used. Moreover, and as illustrated in FIG. 12, thethickness may taper over the axial length. It is noted that theapertures 462 (FIG. 10) for the fasteners 460 (also FIG. 10) are notvisible in FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the end-clamp 700 isconstructed of metallic material (e.g., stainless steel), but otherconstruction materials (e.g., non-stainless steel, steel coated with anelastomeric material, high density plastics) may be equivalently used.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the sample bottle drill collarsection 400 taken along the central axis of the drill collar, andproximate to an end-clamp on an end opposite a connector 424 end of thesample bottle, in accordance with at least some embodiments. It is notedthat the view of FIG. 13 would be the end opposite of the sample bottleassembly 702 in the view of FIG. 12. In particular, illustrativeend-clamp 800 couples to the drill collar 404 within a recess 802. Inone embodiment, an outer surface 804 of the end-clamp 800 issubstantially flush with an outer surface of 806 of the drill collar (asshown in FIG. 12), but in other embodiments the outer surface 804 may beraised slightly, or recessed slightly. The amount the end-clamp 800 maybe raised above the outer surface 806 is less than or equal to 0.25 inchin particular embodiments. Likewise, the amount the outer surface 804 isrecessed less than or equal to 0.25 inches in particular embodiments.

The sample bottle assembly 702 on the end opposite the connector 424(not shown in FIG. 13) comprises bottle portion 708 which is coupled toan end portion 810. End portion 810 seals the internal volume 716.Although FIG. 13 shows the end portion 810 integral with the bottleportion 708, in particular embodiments the end portion 810 is a separatecomponent coupled to the bottle portion 708, such as by welding. Inother embodiments, a valve assembly is disposed in end portion 810 ofthe bottle assembly 702, but the valve assembly is not shown so as notto unduly complicate the figure. The valve assembly, when present, maybe opened and closed by insertion of a tool through the aperture 820through the end-clamp 800. The valve assembly may be used in situationswhere the bottle assembly comprises an internal piston. As fluids arepumped into the bottle assembly, the piston moves thus expanding thevolume on one side, and contracting the volume on the other side. Thevalve assembly is opened as when the bottle assembly is installed, andthe fluids displaced as the piston moves escape through the valveassembly into the annulus.

The end-clamp 800 at least partially retains the bottle assembly in thepocket. In the particular embodiment, a portion of the end-clamp 800abuts or overlaps the bottle assembly 702, as shown at portion 822.Although FIG. 13 shows the end-clamp 800 abutting only the largestdiameter portion of the bottle assembly, in other embodiments theend-clamp 800 may be configured to contact or abut other portions of thebottle assembly, such a the reduced diameter portion 824, in addition toor in place of abutting the largest diameter portion. Further still,while FIG. 13 shows the end-clamp 800 directly abutting the bottleassembly 702 at portion 822, in other embodiments an elastomericcompound or material may reside between the overlapping portion 822 andthe bottle assembly 702 to reduce the chances of damages to the exteriorsurface of the bottle assembly 702 during installation of the bottleassembly 702 in the pocket, during drilling, and/or during removal ofthe bottle assembly from the pocket.

Still referring to FIG. 13, in the particular cross-section shown, theend-clamp 800 comprises a fastener aperture 830 within which a fastener832 is inserted. The fastener 832, such as a threaded hex-head bolt,abuts a shoulder 834 within the aperture 830, and likewise couples byway of mating threads (the threads not specifically shown) to the drillcollar 404. In some embodiments, an O-ring 836 forms a seal between thefastener 832 and the drill collar 404 to reduce invasion of drillingfluids into region between the threads of the fastener 832 and themating threads in the drill collar 404. Also with regard to sealing, inparticular embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 13, the end portion 810 ofthe bottle assembly 702 has an O-ring 840 that seals to the end-clamp800 to reduce the invasion of drilling fluids into the region 842between the bottle assembly 702 and end-clamp 800.

In some embodiments, the axial length of the bottle assembly isapproximately four feet in length, and the end-clamp 800 abuts a smallportion of the overall axial length of the bottle assembly 702. In oneembodiment, the end-clamp 800 abuts the bottle assembly 702 for fourinches or less, but other lengths of the abutting portions may beequivalently used. With respect to the axial length of the end-clamp 700(the length shown as “L” in FIG. 13), in some embodiments the end-clamphas an axial length that is less than one-quarter the length of thebottle assembly 702. In particular embodiments, the axial length of theend-clamp 800 may be between and including six inches and twelve inches.Likewise, the illustrative end-clamp 800 has a first thickness (thethickness shown as “T1” in FIG. 13). In some embodiments the thicknessT1 of the end-clamp 800 is between and including 1.0 inch and 2.0inches, but other thicknesses may be equivalently used. Moreover, and asillustrated in FIG. 13, the thickness may taper over the axial length,such that the thickness T2 at the distal end of the end-clamp is lessthan the thickness T1. In some embodiments, the thickness T2 of theend-clamp 800 is between and including 0.5 inch to 1.0 inch.

Given that the axial lengths of the end-clamps of the variousembodiments are less than an axial length of the bottle assembly, insome embodiments the bottle assembly 702 is visible through theaperture. Referring again briefly to FIG. 10, as illustrated theend-clamps 452 and 454 abut only a portion of the bottle assemblies 410,and thus the bottle assembles 410, in these embodiments, are exposedthrough their respective apertures 402. In some cases it is advantageousto have the bottle assemblies exposed. For example, each bottle assembly410 may carry a unique identification mechanism (e.g., serial number,bar code, radio frequency identification tag), and having the bottleassemblies exposed through the apertures 418 makes observing and/orreading the identification mechanisms possible and/or easier.

However, in spite of the advantages to having the bottle assembliesexposed, the exposure of the bottle assemblies 410 in the nature of FIG.10 may lead to other concerns. For example, the somewhat long spans ofthe bottle assemblies 410 between the end-clamps 452 and 454 may lead tovarious vibration modes of the bottle assemblies in some drillinginstances. Moreover, the drilling fluid, along with drill cuttings insome instances, tends to seep behind the bottle assemblies 410,particularly if the bottle assemblies are oscillating in one or morevibration modes. The vibration modes may also result in unwantedagitation or mixing of the sampled fluids. Moreover, the piston internalto the sample bottle assembly, when exposed to vibration, is more likelyto leak across its seals, or more likely to develop leaking seals, Thespecification now turns to various methods and related systems to reducethe vibration of bottle assemblies and related shortcomings.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a sample bottle drill collar section800 in accordance with at least some embodiments. In particular, thesample bottle drill collar section 800 comprises a drill collar 801 thatdefines an outer surface 802. The drill collar 801 further defines aplurality of pockets accessible through apertures in the drill collar801, and the view of FIG. 14 shows pockets 804 (in particular 804A and804B) accessible through respective apertures 806 (in particular 806Aand 806B). While in the view of FIG. 14 only two pockets are visible,additional pockets accessible through additional apertures may reside onthe back side of the drill collar 801. Within each pocket 804 resides asample bottle assembly 808 (in particular 808A and 808B), which bottleassemblies may be the same as bottle assemblies 410 of FIG. 10 and/orbottle assemblies 702 of FIGS. 12 and 13. Each bottle assembly is atleast partially held in place by end-clamps 810 and 812. End-clamp 812Ais shown in exploded view to illustrate a recess 814 within which theend-clamp 812A resides. Other end-clamps likewise have their respectiverecesses.

In order to at least partially retain the bottle assemblies 808 withintheir respective pockets 804 and/or reduce vibration of the bottleassemblies 808, the embodiments illustrated by FIG. 14 further compriseintermediate clamps. In some situations, a single intermediate clamp 816is used, but in embodiments where intermediate clamps are desired, oneor more intermediate clamps are contemplated. FIG. 14 shows aconfiguration of the sample bottle drill collar section 800 thatcomprises two intermediate clamps; however, for purposes of thediscussion the second intermediate clamp 818 is shown separated from thecollar section 800. Intermediate clamp 816 couples to the outer surface802 of the drill collar 801. The intermediate clamp 816circumferentially spans at least one pocket 804, and as illustrated theintermediate clamp 816 circumferentially spans each pocket 804 definedby the drill collar 801. In accordance with at least some embodiments,each intermediate clamp couples to the outer surface 802 by way of achannel or reduced diameter portion, as illustrated by reduced diameterportion 820 for clamp 818. In some embodiments the reduced diameterportion for each clamp circumscribes the drill collar 801. In some casesthe exterior surface defined by an intermediate clamp (e.g., exteriorsurface 822 of intermediate clamp 816) coincides with the largestoutside diameter portion of the outer surface 802. In other cases,however, the exterior surface 822 may define an outside diameter greaterthan the outer surface 802, or the exterior surface 822 may define anoutside diameter smaller than the outer surface 802.

Still referring to FIG. 14, the axial length of each intermediate clampis less than axial length of each sample bottle assembly 808. Forexample, the axial length, shown as “L” in the figure, of intermediateclamp 816 is less that an axial length of the bottle assembly 808Awithin the pocket 804A (the bottle assembly axial length notspecifically shown). In some cases, the axial lengths of eachintermediate clamp 816, 818 are about four inches, but longer andshorter axial lengths may be equivalently used. Moreover, eachintermediate clamp has a thickness, such as thickness T shown withrespect to intermediate clamp 818. In some embodiments, the thickness Tis one-quarter of inch, but thicker and thinner thicknesses of theintermediate clamps may be equivalently used. Moreover, as discussedmore below, each intermediate clamp may have conformal surfaces thatconform to underlying structures, such as the bottle assembly, and thusneed not have a uniform thickness. The reduced diameter portion withinwhich each intermediate clamp resides has a depth that corresponds tothe thickness of the intermediate clamp that couples within the reduceddiameter portion.

The illustrative intermediate clamps of FIG. 14 are shown with constantaxial length around their entire circumference. However, having constantaxial length is not required. FIG. 15 shows alternative embodimentswhere the axial length of the intermediate clamps varies. In particular,illustrative intermediate clamp 840 has extensions or tabs 842 thatdefine increased axial length portions of the clamp. Each tab isconfigured to extend over, abut and at least partially retain anunderlying bottle assembly within its respective slot. Thetab-embodiments of intermediate clamp 840 may be used, for example, insituations where a single intermediate clamp is used, or perhaps insituations where the underlying sample bottle assembly is particularlysusceptible to vibration. In some cases the intermediate clamp 840 isconfigured to have a set of tabs for each sample bottle assembly to beretained. Conversely, FIG. 15 also shows alternative embodiments wherethe axial length of the intermediate clamp shortens or narrows. Inparticular, illustrative intermediate clamp 844 defines slots 846. Eachslot further exposes the underlying sample bottle assembly. Theslot-embodiments of intermediate clamp 844 may be used, for example, insituation where less bottle vibration is expected, or where othermechanism (such as the spacer embodiments discussed below) may beadditionally used to retain the sample bottle assembly in the respectivepockets.

The mechanical relationship of the various components of theintermediate clamps, such that the clamps can be selectively installedand removed from the sample bottle collar section, may take any suitableform. In the particular embodiments illustrated, each intermediate clamphas three semicircular portions coupled to create the entirecircumferential clamp. FIG. 16 shows, in greater detail, an intermediateclamp in accordance with at least some embodiments to further describeone illustrative arrangement. In particular, the illustrativeintermediate clamp 860 comprises three semicircular components 862, 864and 866. In the embodiments illustrated semicircular component 862 ishinged to semicircular component 866 by way of hinge portion 868.Further in the illustrative embodiment, semicircular portion 826 couplesto the semicircular portion 864 by way of a plurality of fasteners. Inparticular, portion 862 has a plurality of T-slots, such as T-slot 870.A fastener 872 threadingly couples to the semi-circular portion 864 byextending through the narrow portion 874 of the T-slot 870. The head 876of the fastener 872 abuts the shoulder portions 878 of the T-slot 870,and thus as the fastener 827 is tightened, the fastener biases thesemi-circular portion 862 against the semi-circular portion 864. Theremaining T-slots work similarly.

It is noted that the specific arrangement of the T-slots may be reversed(i.e., the T-slots on the semicircular portion 864 and the fastenersthreadingly coupled to the semicircular portion 862). The couplingbetween semicircular portion 866 and semicircular portion 864 may beeither a hinged connection or a connection by way of fasteners.Moreover, three semicircular portions are merely illustrative, as twomore semicircular portions may be equivalently used to construct a clampthat circumscribes the underlying drill collar. In yet still othercases, the semicircular portions couple to the underlying drill collar,such as by fasteners. That is, rather than the fasteners biasing thesemicircular portions toward each other, the fasteners threadinglycouple to the drill collar, and hold the semicircular portion (orportions) against the outer surface of the drill collar. Further still,the material from which the intermediate clamps are constructed mayvary. While in many embodiments the clamps are metallic (e.g.,stainless), other materials (e.g., high density plastics, fiberglasscomposite materials), may be equivalently used.

FIG. 16 further illustrates that the internal diameter of anintermediate clamp may be configured to abut underlying portions in aconformal manner. In particular, the internal diameter 880 of theillustrative clamp 860 comprises a conformal section 882. In theparticular example of FIG. 16, the conformal section 882 is semicircularand designed and constructed to conformally abut an underlying samplebottle assembly that, in this example, has a circular cross-section. Asample bottle assembly may take any cross-sectional shape, and thus theconformal section 882 may likewise be modified to conformally abut anycross-sectional shape. It is noted, before proceeding, that theend-clamps and intermediate clamps (if present) also provide suitablelocations for applying straps and/or chains in the transport of thesample bottle drill collar sections to and from drilling locations.

In spite of the end-clamps and any intermediate clamps used to retain asample bottle assembly in a pocket, drilling fluid may still tend toseep or invade the area behind the sample bottle assembly within apocket. Likewise, in some operational situations end-clamps, and one ormore intermediate clamps if used, may be deemed insufficient to retainwith a desired rigidity a sample bottle assembly in the pocket. Thus, inaccordance with at least some embodiments one or more spacers are usedin conjunction with the one or more clamps to at least partially retaina sample bottle assembly in a pocket, to reduce the invasion of drillingfluid behind the sample bottle assemblies, and/or to reduce vibration.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective, partial exploded view, of a sample bottledrill collar section 900 in accordance with at least some embodiments.In particular, the sample bottle drill collar section 900 comprisesdrill collar 901 that defines an outer surface 902. The drill collar 901defines a plurality of pockets accessible through apertures in the drillcollar 901, and the particular view of FIG. 17 shows pockets 904 (inparticular 904A and 904B) accessible through respective apertures 906(in particular 906A and 906B). While in the view of FIG. 17 only twopockets are visible, additional pockets accessible through additionalapertures may reside on the back side of the drill collar 901. Withineach pocket 904 resides a sample bottle assembly 908 (in particular 908Aand 908B), which bottle assemblies may be the same as bottle assemblies410 of FIG. 10, sample bottle assemblies 808 of FIG. 14, and/or samplebottle assemblies 702 of FIGS. 12 and 13. Each sample bottle assembly isat least partially held in place by end-clamps 910 and 912. Componentsassociated with pocket 904A are shown in exploded view so as to furtherdescribe the inter-relationship.

In order to at least partially retain the bottle assemblies 908 withintheir respective pockets 904, the embodiments illustrated by FIG. 17further comprise a set of spacers 910 (in particular 910A and 910B). Asillustrated, the spacers 910 are disposed within their respectivepockets 904. As implied by the exploded view portion of FIG. 17, thespacers abut the bottle assembly 908, and also abut side walls of thepocket 904. The spacers have an axial length greater than half an axiallength of the sample bottle assembly 908, and as illustrated have axiallength substantially the same as the sample bottle assembly 908. Having“substantially” the same length as the sample bottle assembly in thecontext of the spacers shall mean that the spacers are long enough toextend under the end-clamps, and in most cases have an axial lengthwithin ten percent (10%) of the length of the sample bottle assemblyexcluding connectors and/or valve portions.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiments, the spacers 910 arecomposed of two individual components disposed on each side of thesample bottle assembly 908. In this way, and as particularly shown withrespect to sample bottle assembly 908B, the sample bottle assembly 908Bis visible in the area between the spacers 910. In other embodiments,the spacers 910 may be coupled by one or more cross-members, such ascross-member 920 associated with spacers 910B. The physical materialsfrom which the spacers 910 are made varies. In some cases, the spacers910 are metallic (e.g., stainless steel). In other embodiments, thespacers are made from a high density plastic, such as in an extrusionprocess or by way of injection molding. In still other embodiments, thespacers 910 are made of materials such as fiberglass and/or carbon fiberreinforced epoxy.

Still referring to FIG. 17, the illustrative embodiments furthercomprises intermediate clamps 916 and 918, with a portion of theintermediate clamps shown in exploded form. Thus, the spacers 910 resideunder the intermediate clamps 916 and 918, and in some cases an internaldiameter of each intermediate clamp has a conformal section to abut anouter surface of the spacers. In some embodiments, the intermediateclamps may be omitted, particularly where the axial length of the samplebottle assemblies 910 are relatively short (e.g., two feet or less), orwhere the spacers have high rigidity (e.g., the spacers are metallic).In other embodiments, the spacers may be present, but the spacers maynot have sufficient axial length to reside under, and thus be retainedby, the end-clamps 910, 912. In embodiments where the spacers 910 do notextend under the end-clamps 910, 912, the spacers may be retained in thepocket exclusively by one or more intermediate clamps 916, 918.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the spacer embodiments takensubstantially along line 18-18 of FIG. 17. In particular, FIG. 18 showsa portion of the drill collar 901 comprising pocket 904 that defines afirst side wall 924 and a second side wall 926. In the particularexample of FIG. 18, the sidewalls 924 and 926 of the pocket 904 areparallel, and are connected by way of a semicircular bottom wall 928.However, having a semicircular bottom wall 928 is merely illustrative,and other cross-sectional shapes for the bottom wall (e.g., a bottomwall that defines a plane that is normal at least one sidewall), may beequivalently used. FIG. 18 further shows spacers 910, and in the view ofFIG. 18 spacers 910 comprise left spacer 930 and right spacer 932.Further still, FIG. 18 shows bottle assembly 908 residing within thepocket 904 under the spacers 910 and clamp portion 934. In theparticular view of FIG. 18, clamp portion 934 is a portion ofintermediate clamp 916.

Left spacer 930 defines a conformal surface 936 that abuts and conformsto the cross-sectional shape of the sample bottle assembly 908, which inthe illustrative embodiments is circular. Likewise, right spacer 932defines a conformal surface 938 that abuts and conforms to thecross-sectional shape of the sample bottle assembly 908. Left spacer 930further comprises wall surface 940 that abuts sidewall 924, and rightspacer 932 further comprises a wall surface 942 that abuts sidewall 926.Further still, the left spacer 930 defines an outer surface 944, andright spacer 932 defines an outer surface 946. As illustrated, the outersurfaces 944, 946 coincide with the outer surface 902 of the drillcollar 901. However, in other embodiments, the outer surfaces of the 930and 932 may extend beyond the outer surface 902 of the drill collar 901,or may reside below the outer surface 902 of the drill collar 901.

The various embodiments discussed above with respect to spacers, again,help retain the sample bottle assembly in the pocket, reduce invasion ofdrilling fluid behind the sample bottle assembly, and/or reducevibration and the adverse effects associated therewith (e.g., mixing offluid samples, leaking of piston with the sample bottle assembly).However, in accordance with yet still further embodiments, adhesives areused in conjunction with the one or more clamps to at least partiallyretain a sample bottle assembly in a pocket, to reduce the invasion ofdrilling fluid behind the sample bottle assemblies, and/or to reducevibration.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a sample bottle drill collar section1000 in accordance with at least some embodiments. In particular, thesample bottle drill collar section 1000 comprises drill collar 1001 thatdefines an outer surface 1002. The drill collar 1001 defines a pluralityof pockets accessible through apertures in the drill collar 1001, andthe particular view of FIG. 19 shows pockets 1004 (in particular 1004Aand 1004B) accessible through respective apertures 1006 (in particular1006A and 1006B). While in the view of FIG. 19 only two pockets arevisible, additional pockets accessible through additional apertures mayreside on the back side of the drill collar 1001. Within each pocket1004 resides a sample bottle assembly, but in the embodiments of FIG. 19the sample bottle assemblies are not visible because the sample bottleassemblies are covered and/or submerged in an adhesive 1008 (inparticular 1008A and 1008B). Each sample bottle assembly is at leastpartially held in place by end-clamps 1010 and 1012. Moreover, thesample bottles assemblies are also at least partially held in place bycoupling to the adhesive 1008. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the adhesiveextends from the end-clamp 1010 to end-clamp 1012, and in someembodiments extends under the end-clamps. In some situations, theadhesive also reduces vibration, and provide an insulating quality toreduce the temperature extremes experienced by the sample bottleassembly.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the adhesive is applied tothe pocket 1004 after a sample bottle assembly has been inserted in thepocket 1004. Thereafter, the adhesive is allowed to cure (i.e., harden).If the adhesive extends under the end-clamps, the end-clamps areinstalled after application of the adhesive. In some cases, theend-clamps may be installed after application of the adhesive, butbefore the adhesive hardens, such that the adhesive may additionallyadhere to the end-clamps. In embodiments where the adhesive merely abutsthe end-clamps on their distal ends (e.g., distal end 1014 of end-clamp1012A), the end-clamps are installed before the adhesive is applied.While FIG. 19 also shows an intermediate clamp 1016, in otherembodiments the intermediate clamp 1016 may be omitted, or a pluralityof intermediate clamps may be used. When present, the intermediate clamp1016 may be installed after application of the adhesive. In other cases,the intermediate clamp 1016 may be installed after application of theadhesive, but before the adhesive hardens, such that the adhesive mayadditionally adhere to the intermediate clamp 1016.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the adhesive is an epoxy,such as a two part epoxy that hardens a certain amount of time after thecomponents are mixed. In further embodiments, the epoxy may bereinforced, such as with sand, fiberglass or carbon-fiber reinforcement.In some circumstances, the epoxy may experience damage during use. Lessdamage is expected in wireline logging uses, and more damage is expectedin MWD/LWD operations. In most cases, the adhesive will be sufficientlyresilient to protect the underlying sample bottle assembly in spite ofthe damage. However, in cases where damage is excessive (e.g., deviateddrilling where the collar sections are expected to regularly contact theborehole wall), the adhesive may be reapplied in the field.Reapplication may be merely reapplication over the damaged adhesive, ofthe damaged adhesive removed and a full new set of adhesive applied. Inother cases, the adhesive 1008 is putty that hardens on contact withair, such as clay-based putty. In other case, the adhesive 1008 is anelastomeric compound the cures to a deformable but resilient character,like rubber.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the adhesive embodiments takensubstantially along line 20-20 of FIG. 19. In particular, FIG. 20 showsa portion of the drill collar 1001 comprising pocket 1004 that defines afirst side wall 1024 and a second side wall 1026. In the particularexample of FIG. 20, the sidewalls 1024 and 1026 of the pocket 1004 areparallel, and are connected by way of a semicircular bottom wall 1028.However, having a semicircular bottom wall 1028 is merely illustrative,and other cross-sectional shapes for the bottom wall (e.g., a bottomwall that defines a plane that is normal at least one sidewall), may beequivalently used. FIG. 20 further shows adhesive 1008. Further still,FIG. 18 shows bottle assembly 1028 residing within the pocket 1004 underthe adhesive 1008. In the particular view of FIG. 20, clamp portion 1030could be a portion of an intermediate clamp 1016 if present, orend-clamp 1012B if the intermediate clamp is not present.

The adhesive 1008 abuts the first sidewall 1024, the second sidewall1026 and the sample bottle assembly 1028. As illustrated, the samplebottle assembly 1028 is covered and/or submerged within the adhesive.However, in other embodiments portions of the sample bottle assembly1028 may be left uncovered by the adhesive. Further, the adhesivedefines an outer surface 1032 which, as illustrated, resides below theouter surface 1002 of the drill collar 1001. However, in otherembodiments, during application of the adhesive forms may be used toextend the outer surface 1032 of the adhesive above the outer surface1002 of the drill collar 1001, and in yet still other embodiments formsmay be used during application such that the outer surface 1032 of theadhesive 1008 coincides with the outer surface 1002 of the drill collar1001.

The various embodiments discussed to this point have been in relation tomechanisms to retain a sample bottle assembly in a pocket. However, thesample bottle assembly itself may take many forms, and each isoperational with the each of the embodiments discussed above.

FIG. 21 shows both a perspective view, and an exploded perspective view,of a sample bottle assembly in accordance with at least someembodiments. In particular, FIG. 21 shows two versions of sample bottleassembly 1100. With respect to the exploded view, the sample bottleassembly 1100 comprises a sample bottle 1102. The sample bottle 1102 hasside walls that define an interior volume, and it is within the interiorvolume that fluid samples drawn from the formation are stored. Coupledto the sample bottle 1102 is a neck portion 1104, which corresponds insome case to the neck portion 724 (FIG. 13). The sample bottle 1102defines an axial length indicated as L1 in FIG. 21. In some cases, theaxial length L1 is four feet, but shorter axial lengths (e.g., two feet)and longer axial lengths may be equivalently used.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the sample bottle assembly1100 further comprises a sleeve 1106. The sleeve 1106 comprises a bore1108. In the illustrative embodiments of FIG. 21, the bore 1008 is acentral bore along the central axis of the 1110 of the sleeve, but boresalong other than the central axis may be equivalently used. The sleeve1106 also defines an axial length, indicated as L2 in FIG. 21. In somecases, the axial length L2 is substantially the same as the axial lengthL1 of the sample bottle. The sleeve 1106 having “substantially” the sameaxial length as the sample bottle 1102 in the context of the samplebottle assembly shall mean that the sleeve is long enough to extendunder the end-clamps, and in most cases have an axial length within tenpercent (10%) of the length of the sample bottle 1102. In some cases theaxial length of the sleeve 1106 is four feet, but shorter axial lengths(e.g., two feet) and longer axial lengths may be equivalently used.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiments, the sample bottle 1102is telescoped within the sleeve 1106, as shown by the lower perspectiveview of FIG. 21. The sleeve serves to protect the sample bottle 1102,which is a pressure vessel, from damage such as nicks and cuts whichdegrade the structural integrity of the sample bottle 1102. In somecases the internal diameter of the sleeve 1106 is sufficiently large toenable the sample bottle to be easily telescoped into and out of thesleeve, such as by hand. In yet still other cases, the inside diameter1108 of the sleeve 1106 is such that the sample bottle 1102 is frictionfit within the sleeve (e.g., such as by hydraulic press, thermallyexpanding the sleeve 1106, and/or thermally shrinking the sample bottle1102). In some embodiments, the outside diameter of the sample bottle1102 is two inches, but larger diameter sample bottles, and smallerdiameter sample bottles (e.g., one inch, 0.5 inch) may be equivalentlyused. The sleeve not only protects the sample bottle from damage, butalso makes the overall assembly more rigid, thus reducing vibration.Moreover, the sleeve has an insulating effect, which reduces thetemperature extremes to which the bottle assembly is exposed.

The materials which make up the sleeve 1106 are many. In someembodiments, the sleeve 1106 is metallic (e.g., stainless steel). Inother embodiments, the sleeve may be a high density plastic material. Inyet still other embodiments, the sleeve 1106 may be a fiberglassreinforced or carbon fiber reinforced epoxy material. In yet still otherembodiments, the sleeve may have a core of a first material (e.g.,steel), and be coated by second material (e.g., an elastomericmaterial).

The sleeve embodiments are particularly useful in combination with theadhesive embodiments. In particular, in situations where the adhesive isapplied to a sample bottle assembly without a sleeve, the adhesiveadheres directly to the bottle assembly. It may be difficult, in somecircumstances, to remove sample bottle assembly because of the adhesive;however, in embodiments where the sample bottle assembly comprises asleeve, the sleeve may comprise one or more features to assist inremoving the sample bottle assembly from the pocket. Returning brieflyto FIG. 21, FIG. 21 shows features 1140 coupled to the sleeve 1106, thefeatures 1140 couple, for example by welding. Welding or otherwiseattaching features 1140 to the bottle 1102 may not be possible, giventhat the bottle 1102 is a pressure vessel. The features 1140 are shownas extensions that, in some embodiments, extend above an upper surfaceof the adhesive. For purposes of this disclosure and the claims, havingfeatures 1140 coupled to the sleeve 1106, where the features extendabove the upper surface of the adhesive and are designed and constructedto assist removing the sample bottle assembly used with the adhesiveembodiments, shall not obviate the status of a sample bottle assembly asbeing covered and/or submerged by the adhesive. In some cases thefeatures have internal threads to which additional handles or pullingmechanisms may be attached. The internal threads may be protected duringdrilling operations by a cap or screw.

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the sample bottle assembly takensubstantially along line 22-22 of FIG. 21. In particular, FIG. 22 showsthe sample bottle 1102 defining an interior volume 1112, and also thesleeve 1106. As illustrated in FIG. 22, in some cases both the samplebottle 1102 and the sleeve 1106 define a circular cross-section, butother cross-sectional shapes may be equivalently used. For example, FIG.23 shows a cross-sectional view of a sample bottle assembly where thesleeve 1106 has an outside surface that has a cross-section that definesa conformal surface to a pocket within which the sample bottle assemblymay be placed, such as cross-sectional shape of pocket 904 of FIG. 18,and/or cross-sectional shape of pocket 1004 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 shows a method in accordance with at least some embodiments. Inparticular, the method starts (block 2400) and proceeds to inserting abottle assembly within a pocket of the sample bottle drill collarsection (the pocket accessible through an aperture of an outer surfaceof the sample bottle drill collar section) (block 2402). Theillustrative method then proceeds to placing an intermediate clamp onthe sample bottle drill collar section where the intermediate clampspans the pocket, has an axial length less than half an axial length ofthe pocket, and the at least partially retains the bottle assembly inthe pocket (block 2404). Further, the method comprises attaching a firstend-clamp within a first recess disposed at an upper end of the pocket,the first end-clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly inthe pocket, and an axial length of the first end-clamp less thanone-quarter of an axial length of the bottle assembly (block 2406).Finally, the illustrative method comprises attaching a second end-clampwithin a second recess disposed at the lower end of the pocket, thesecond end-clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly in thepocket, and an axial length of the second end-clamp less thanone-quarter of the axial length of the bottle assembly (block 2408), andthe method ends (block 2410).

FIG. 25 also shows a method in accordance with at least someembodiments. In particular, the method starts (block 2500), and proceedsto inserting a bottle assembly within a pocket of a sample bottle drillcollar section (the pocket accessible through an aperture of an outersurface of the sample bottle drill collar section) (block 2502). Andthen the method comprises inserting a first spacer into the pocket suchthat a first surface of the first spacer abuts the bottle assembly and asecond surface of the first spacer abuts a first side wall of the pocket(block 2504), and inserting a second spacer into the pocket such that afirst surface of the second spacer abuts the bottle assembly and asecond surface of the second spacer abuts a second side wall of thepocket (block 2506). The method further comprises attaching a firstend-clamp within a first recess disposed at an upper end of the pocket,the first end-clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly andspacers in the pocket, and an axial length of the first end-clamp lessthan one-quarter of an axial length of the bottle assembly (block 2508).Finally, the illustrative method comprises attaching a second end-clampwithin a second recess disposed at the lower end of the pocket, thesecond end-clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly andspacers in the pocket, and an axial length of the second end-clamp lessthan one-quarter of the axial length of the bottle assembly (block2510), and the method ends (block 2512).

FIG. 26 shows a method in accordance with at least some embodiments. Inparticular, the method starts (block 2600) and proceeds to inserting abottle assembly within a pocket of a sample bottle drill collar section,the pocket accessible through an aperture of an outer surface of thesample bottle drill collar section (block 2602). Further the methodcomprises applying an adhesive over the bottle assembly within thepocket such that at least a portion of the bottle assembly is submergedin the adhesive and the adhesive abuts side walls defined by the pocket(block 2604), and then allowing the adhesive to at least partially cure(block 2606). The method further comprises attaching a first end-clampwithin a first recess disposed at an upper end of the pocket, the firstend-clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly and spacers inthe pocket, and an axial length of the first end-clamp less thanone-quarter of an axial length of the bottle assembly (block 2608).Finally, the illustrative method comprises attaching a second end-clampwithin a second recess disposed at the lower end of the pocket, thesecond end-clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly andspacers in the pocket, and an axial length of the second end-clamp lessthan one-quarter of the axial length of the bottle assembly (block2610), and the method ends (block 2612).

Finally, FIG. 27 also shows a method in accordance with at least someembodiments. In particular, the method starts (block 2700) and proceedsto telescoping a sample bottle within a bore of a protective sleeve(thus creating a bottle assembly) (block 2702), and then inserting thebottle assembly within a pocket of the sample bottle drill collarsection, the pocket accessible through an aperture of an outer surfaceof the sample bottle drill collar section (block 2704). The methodfurther comprises attaching a first end-clamp within a first recessdisposed at an upper end of the pocket, the first end-clamp at leastpartially retains the bottle assembly and spacers in the pocket, and anaxial length of the first end-clamp less than one-quarter of an axiallength of the bottle assembly (block 2706). Finally, the illustrativemethod comprises attaching a second end-clamp within a second recessdisposed at the lower end of the pocket, the second end-clamp at leastpartially retains the bottle assembly and spacers in the pocket, and anaxial length of the second end-clamp less than one-quarter of the axiallength of the bottle assembly (block 2708), and the method ends (block2710).

The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles andvarious embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations andmodifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once theabove disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the followingclaims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a first drill collarsection comprising: a first outer surface; a pocket accessible throughan aperture in the first outer surface, the pocket defines a first sidewall and a second side wall; a bottle assembly disposed within thepocket; a first end-clamp coupled within a first recess disposed at anupper end of the pocket, the first end-clamp at least partially retainsthe bottle assembly in the pocket; a second end-clamp coupled within asecond recess disposed at the lower end of the pocket, the secondend-clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly in the pocket;wherein the bottle assembly further comprises: a sample bottle having anaxial length; a sleeve comprising a bore, the sample bottle within thebore.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising the sleeve has anaxial length substantially the same as the sample bottle.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second drill collar sectioncomprising a second outer surface and a probe that selectively extendsbeyond said second outer surface toward an earth formation, the probedraws fluids from the earth formation; and the bottle assembly fluidlycoupled to the probe.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising anoutside diameter of the sample bottle defines a circular cross-section,and an outside diameter of the sleeve defines a circular cross-section.5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the pocket defines across-section comprising a semi-circular bottom portion extending to thefirst and second side walls, and the first and second side walls areparallel; and the sleeve outside surface defines a conformal surface tothe pocket.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first drill collarsection further comprises an intermediate clamp coupled to the firstouter surface and spanning the pocket, the intermediate clamp at leastpartially retains the bottle assembly in the pocket, and theintermediate clamp has an axial length less than an axial length of thebottle assembly.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first drillcollar section further comprises: a first spacer disposed within thepocket, the first spacer defines a first portion that abuts the bottleassembly, and a second portion that abuts a first side wall of thepocket; and a second spacer disposed within the pocket, the secondspacer defines a first portion that abuts the bottle assembly, and asecond portion that abuts a second side wall of the pocket; wherein eachof the first and second spacers has an axial length greater than half anaxial length of the bottle assembly.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe first drill collar section further comprises epoxy within thepocket, the epoxy abuts the first and second side walls, and the epoxycouples to the bottle assembly.
 9. A method of assembling a samplebottle drill collar section comprising: telescoping a sample bottlewithin a bore of a protective sleeve, thus creating a bottle assembly;and then inserting the bottle assembly within a pocket of the samplebottle drill collar section, the pocket accessible through an apertureof an outer surface of the sample bottle drill collar section; attachinga first end-clamp within a first recess disposed at an upper end of thepocket, the first end-clamp at least partially retains the bottleassembly in the pocket, and an axial length of the first end-clamp lessthan one-quarter of an axial length of the bottle assembly; andattaching a second end-clamp within a second recess disposed at thelower end of the pocket, the second end-clamp at least partially retainsthe bottle assembly in the pocket, and an axial length of the secondend-clamp less than one-quarter of the axial length of the bottleassembly.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein telescoping furthercomprises telescoping the sample bottle within the bore of theprotective sleeve, wherein an outside diameter of the protective sleevedefines a circular cross-section.
 11. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising placing an intermediate clamp on the sample bottle drillcollar section, the intermediate clamp spans the pocket, has an axiallength less than half an axial length of the bottle assembly, and theintermediate clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly in thepocket.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein after inserting the bottleassembly and before attaching the end-clamps, the method furthercomprises: inserting a first spacer into the pocket such that a firstsurface of the first spacer abuts the bottle assembly, and a secondsurface of the first spacer abuts a first side wall of the pocket; andinserting a second spacer into the pocket such that a first surface ofthe second spacer abuts the bottle assembly, and a second surface of thesecond spacer abuts a second side wall of the pocket.
 13. The method ofclaim 9 wherein after inserting the bottle assembly the method furthercomprises: applying an epoxy over the bottle assembly within the pocketsuch that at least a portion of the bottle assembly is submerged in theepoxy and the epoxy abuts side walls defined by the pocket; and thenallowing the epoxy to at least partially cure.
 14. An apparatuscomprising: a first drill collar section comprising: a first outersurface; a pocket accessible through an aperture in the first outersurface, the pocket defines a first side wall and a second side wall; abottle assembly disposed within the pocket; a first end-clamp coupledwithin a first recess disposed at an upper end of the pocket, the firstend-clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly in the pocket;a second end-clamp coupled within a second recess disposed at the lowerend of the pocket, the second end-clamp at least partially retains thebottle assembly in the pocket; and an adhesive within the pocket, theadhesive abuts the first and second side walls, and the adhesive couplesto the bottle assembly.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 furthercomprising: a second drill collar section comprising a second outersurface and a probe that selectively extends beyond said second outersurface toward an earth formation, the probe draws fluids from the earthformation; and the bottle assembly fluidly coupled to the probe.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 14 further comprising wherein the adhesive extendsfrom the first end-clamp to the second end-clamp.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 14 further comprising the adhesive is, at least in part, epoxy.18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the first drill collar sectionfurther comprises an intermediate clamp coupled to the first outersurface and spanning the pocket, the intermediate clamp at leastpartially retains the bottle assembly in the pocket, and theintermediate clamp has an axial length less than an axial length of thebottle assembly.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the bottleassembly further comprises: a sample bottle having an axial length; anda sleeve comprising a central bore, the sample bottle received withinthe central bore, and the sleeve has an axial length substantially thesame as the sample bottle.
 20. A method of assembling a sample bottledrill collar section comprising: inserting a bottle assembly within apocket of the sample bottle drill collar section, the pocket accessiblethrough an aperture of an outer surface of the sample bottle drillcollar section; applying an adhesive adjacent the bottle assembly withinthe pocket such that the adhesive couples to the bottle assembly and theadhesive abuts side walls defined by the pocket; and then allowing theadhesive to at least partially cure; attaching a first end-clamp withina first recess disposed at an upper end of the pocket, the firstend-clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly in the pocket,and an axial length of the first end-clamp less than one-quarter of anaxial length of the bottle assembly; and attaching a second end-clampwithin a second recess disposed at the lower end of the pocket, thesecond end-clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly in thepocket, and an axial length of the second end-clamp less thanone-quarter of the axial length of the bottle assembly.
 21. The methodof claim 20 wherein applying the adhesive further comprises applying anadhesive that comprises, at least in part, epoxy.
 22. The method ofclaim 20 wherein applying the adhesive further comprises applying theadhesive such that bottle assembly is submerged at least between extentsof the end-clamps when attached.
 23. The method of claim 20 furthercomprising placing an intermediate clamp on the sample bottle drillcollar section, the intermediate clamp spans the pocket, has an axiallength less than half an axial length of the bottle assembly, and theintermediate clamp at least partially retains the bottle assembly in thepocket.
 24. The method of claim 20 wherein prior to inserting the bottleassembly, the method further comprises telescoping a sample bottlewithin a bore of a protective sleeve, thus creating the bottle assembly.